What Is the Active Ingredient in Perming Lotion?
The active ingredient in perming lotion, whether for curling or straightening hair, is a chemical called ammonium thioglycolate. Ammonium thioglycolate is an ammonia salt of mercaptoacetic acid. Boxes of perm solution also list the ingredient as ammonium thyioglycolic acid. This article discusses the chemistry, characteristics, and hazards of the active ingredient of perming lotions and hair straighteners with tips for safe application.
